Signs & Symptoms of Tonsilitis

A bright red throat that just screams pain, accompanied by difficulty swallowing food or drinks, may be a sign that you are dealing with a bout of tonsillitis. A tonsillitis flare-up can present minor pain symptoms in the beginning stages, but as the infection progresses, so does the pain. The tonsils may even become so engorged with pus that white patches become noticeable when you look at the back of your throat in the mirror. These patches can make eating miserable, sometimes making it difficult for the food to pass into the throat.

What is Tonsillitis?

• Tonsillitis is a swelling of the tonsils. Tonsillitis can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. A viral form of tonsillitis will not respond to antibiotics, and the symptoms can only be treated with time and over-the-counter pain and fever medications. On the other hand, tonsillitis infections caused by bacteria require the use of antibiotics to overcome the infection.

Fever

• Along with the throat pain and discomforts of tonsillitis, you may experience a fever. When your body temperature rises, the invading bacterium and viruses are killed off.

Lymph Node Swelling, Aching Jaw and Ear Pain

• A tonsillitis infection can cause the lymph nodes in your neck to swell; adding to the pain and pressure. The additional swelling and pressure can cause an aching jaw and pain in one or both ears. An infection in the tonsils can spread to nearby areas such as, the nose and ears, Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic warns.

Crypts

• Small crevices and craters on the surface of the tonsils also referred to as crypts, can orm in chronic cases of tonsillitis. Small stones, known as tonsilloliths, containing sulfa, may begin to settle within the crypts of the tonsils. When this happens, bad breath is often the result. The stones that accumulate within the tonsils can sometimes be felt upon swallowing, making it feel as if there is something lodged in your throat.

Complications

• Serious complications can result if tonsillitis symptoms are not treated. Dehydration can become a matter of concern if painful swallowing leads to the failure to drink a sufficient amount of liquids. You could also experience difficulty breathing if your tonsils swell to the point that your airway becomes obstructed, MDGuidelines notes,